Mixing valve



May 21, 1968 L. SPENCER 3,384,12

MIXING VALVE Original Filed April 13, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 I Y @wwwaMay 21, 1968 1 SPENCER 3,384,121

MIXING VALVE Criginal Filed April 13, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

May 21, 1968 L. SPENCER 3,384,121

MIXING VALVE Original Filed April 13, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

L. SPENCER MIXING VALVE May 2l, 1968 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Original FiledApril 13, 1964 INVENTOR.

United States Patent O 11 ciaims. (ci. la7-625.41)

My invention relates to mixing valves and is a continuation of Ser. No.359,392, led Apr. 13, 1964, which is a continuationdn-part of -mycopendiing applications for Mixing Valve, Ser. No. 2,523, tiled Jan. 14,1960, and Ser. No. 289,806, filed June 24, 1963, now abandoned.

Included fin the objects of my invention are:

First, to provide a hot and cold water mixing valve which utilizes acontrol ball, which may be globular or in the form -of a hollowhemisphere, and external or internal journal element, the ball andjournal element having confronting annular stop shoulders one of whichis shaped to form an undulating cam having three -facets and three peaksso Varranged that as the control ball is moved by a handle to effectrolling contact between the stop shoulders, the handle describes atriangular area, and other portions 1of the control ball move to effectflow of hot and cold water, in unison, in opposition or individually soas to regulate both the temperature and volume of the discharged water.

Second, to provide a hot and cold water mixing valve which, in 'oneembodiment, the control ball is provided with cam surfaces movable abouttwo axes, within the limits determined by the stop shoulders, across theends of hot and cold water valve units to effect reciprocation thereof.

Third, to provide a hot and cold water mixing valve which is anotherembodiment, the control ball is provided with ow passages having inletends which are movable in about two axes, within the limits determinedby the stop shoulders, across hot and cold water inlet ports.

Fourth, to provide a hot and cold water mixing valve wherein anarcuately movable key means limits the control ball to two degrees ofmovement and wherein a time del-ay control means is so connected to thekey means that, on initial opening movement of the control ball, thetime delay period is initiated, and irrespective of the selected settingof the mixing valve, the control ball is automatically moved to closeboth the hot and cold water supply on operation of the time delaycontrol means.

Fifth, to provide a hot :and cold water mixing valve in which the hotand cold water lines are isolated from each other when the valve is inits closed position to prevent cross flow should the pressure in the hotand cold water supply systems ditfer.

Sixth, to provide a hot and cold water mixing valve which may utilizevalve units closed by water pres-sure or valve units which Iare closedagainst water pressure.

With the above and :other objects in view as m-ay appear hereinafter,reference is directed to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a front View showing one embodiment of the mixing valve.

FIGURE 2 is a sectional View thereof taken through 2-*2 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view thereof taken through 3 3 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 4 is an end view of the control ball journal cup showing one ofthe valve assemblies retained therein.

FIGURE 5 is a side view thereof.

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of one of the valveassemblies.

3,384,121 Patented May 21, 1968 ice FIGURES 7 to 18 inclusive arevarious views of the control ball, in which:

FIGURE 7 is =a top view of the control ball with the `handle in avertical position, the handle being sectioned in a plane contiguous tothe surface of the control ball and indicating by broken llines theboundaries of movement of the axis of the handle.

FIGURE 8 is 1a bottom view of the control ball in a positioncorresponding to FIGURE l2 with the cam followers shown in section andindicating by broken lines the boundaries of the cam areas traced by thepoints of contacts of the cam Ifollowers with the control ball.

FIGURE 9 is a top view similar to FIGURE l2 but show-ing the controlball tin its olf position.

FIGURE l0 is Ia corresponding bottom view showing the control ball inits off position.

FIGURE 11 is ra top view of the control ball in the position assumedwhen the cold water valve is full on and the hot water valve is offFIGURE 12 is a corresponding bottom view of the control ball.

FIGURE 13 is a top view of the control ball shown in its positionwherein the hot valve is in its full on position and the cold valve isin its off position.

FIGURE 14 is a corresponding bottom view thereof.

FIGURE 15 is `a sectional view of the control ball taken through 15-15of FIGURE 9, the control ball being shown in its off position.

FIGURE 16 is a parallel sectional view of the control ball taken through16-16 of FIGURE 9.

FIGURE 17 is a sectional view of the control ball taken through 17-17 ofFIGURE 9 also with the control ball shown in its off position.

FIGURE 18 is a sectional view similar to FIGURE 17, but taken through18-18 of FIGURE 12 .and showing the control ball in the positioncorresponding to the position shown in FIGURES 1l and 12; that is, withthe hot valve in its off position and the cold valve in its full on"position.

FIGURE 19 is ta partial side view partial sectional view of the mixingvalve similar to FIGURE 2 showing means for connection to a time delayin order that the mixing valve may be shut ofi after a predeterminedinterval.

FIGURE 2O is a fragmentary front view of the control ball journal socketmodiiied for accommodation of a time delay means.

FIGURE 21 is a fragmentary sectional view taken through 21-21 of FIGURE19 showing the control ball and means for attachment to the time delaymeans.

FIGURE 22 is an electrical diagram of the time delay means.

FIGURE 23 is a sectional View similar to FIGURE 3 showing a modifiedmixing valve wherein the control ball is provided with passages whichcommunicate with inlet ports, but which incorporates a cam shoulder forlimiting movement essentially as shown in connection with the mixingvalve shown in FIGURES 1 through 22.

FIGURE 24 is a sectional view at right angles to FIG- URE 23 andcorresponding to FIGURES 2 and 19, with the time delay means indicatedfragmentarily.

FIGURE 25 is a back view of the modified control valve.

FIGURE 26 is a front view of the modified mixing valve with the controlball and retainer cap removed.

FIGURE 27 is a fragmentary sectional view taken through 27-27 of FIGURE24 showing the control ball and means for connection to the time delaymeans.

FIGURE 28 is a reduced side view of a modified form of mixing valve inwhich the control ball is in the form of a hollow hemisphere.

FIGURE 29 is an enlarged end view thereof taken from 29-29 of FIGURE 28with the handle and valve body omitted and portions shown in section.

FIGURE 30 is a fragmentary sectional view thereof taken through 30-30 ofFIGURE 29 showing the hollow hemispherical cam in its position whereinboth valve units are closed.

FIGURE 31 is a similar fragmentary sectional View taken through 31-31 ofFIGURE 29 showing the control ball in its position wherein one valveunit is closed andthe other is open.

FIGURE 32 is a bottom view of the hollow hemispherical control ballshowing the cam surfaces thereof.

FIGURE 33 is a sectional view thereof taken through 33-33 of FIGURE 32.

FIGURE 34 is a sectional view taken through .S4-34 of FIGURE 32.

FIGURE 35 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken through 35-35of FIGURE 31 showing one of the valve units in its closed position.

FIGURE 36 is a further enlarged sectional view taken within circle 35showing the initial open condition of a valve unit.

FIGURE 37 is a sectional view similar to FIGURE 35 showing a valve unitin its fully open position.

FIGURE 38 is a transverse sectional view thereof taken through .3S- 38of FIGURE 37.

Reference is iirst directed to FIGURES 1 through 6. The mixing valvehere illustrated includes a valve body member 1 having parallelcontiguous bores 2 and 3 connected respectively to a cold water inlet 4and hot Water inlet 5. The forward ends of the bores intersect a commonouter surface surrounded by an externally screwthreaded trim 6.

Near their forward ends the bores enlarge to form outlet channels 7which are interconnected by a cross port that is, in turn, connected toan outlet bore 9 parallel to the bores 2 and 3. The bore 9 is connectedwith a water outlet 1G.

Each bore lreceives a valve assembly 11 shown best in FIGURE 6. Eachvalve assembly includes a tubular liner 12. Externally, the liner 12 isprovided with spaced grooves which receive O-riugs 13 and 14 for sealingengagement with bore 2 or 3 on opposite sides of the correspondingoutlet channel '7. Between the O-rings, the liner is provided withradial outlet ports 15. Internally, the rear portion of the liner isprovided with a counterbore 16 which intercepts the ports 15.

The liner 12 terminates rearwardly from the O-ring 14 and is reduced inouter diameter to form a shallow channel bordered by an annular bead 17forming the terminal portion of the liner. The inner end of the linerreceives a terminal cap member 18 in the form of a cup having aninternal diameter equal to the counterbore 16. The forward end of thecap member 13 is provided with a plurality of equally spacedlongitudinal slits forming therebetween a plurality of fingers 19internally grooved near their extremities to snap over the bead 17 forretension on the liner 12. The slits between the fingers beyond theliner 12 form inlet ports 2d.

Rearwardly or upstream from the inlet ports 2G, the cap member 18 isreduced slightly in diameter to form with the surrounding bore anannular inlet passage 21 having a width approximating the width of theinlet ports. The upstream extremity of the cap member is provided withan annular axially extended rim 22 having a plurality of slits to form,with the passage 21 and inlet slit ports Ztl, a filter for restrainingparticles of excess size from entering the liner 12.

Each liner 12 and cap member 18 receives a piston valve 23 having spacedannular channels to receive O- rings 24 and 25. The O-ring 24 is movablefrom a forward sealing position partially within the rear end of theliner 12 to rearward open positions within the inlet ports 20,internally the fingers 19 may be enlarged slightly to permit freemovement of the O-ring 22 when in its open position yet retain theO-ring in its groove. The Ciring 25 sealingly engages the walls of t'necap member.

The piston valve 23 includes a stem 26 which protrudes from the forwardor outer end of the liner 12. The stem is provided with an O-ring 27fitting the forward portion or" the liner bore beyond the counterbore1d. The stem is also provided with a stop ring '.28 to limit forwardmovement of the piston valve beyond a point at which seaiing contact ishad by the O-ring 24 with the liner 12.

The piston valve 23 is provided with a socket 29 eX- tending forwardlyfrom its inner end. The socket receives a spring 30 to urge the pistonvalve forwardly. A small side port 31 is provided in the forward end ofthe socket to expose the interior of the socket member to pressuresdownstream of the G-ring 2f. so that the armature is balanced. Adjacentthe O-ring 24, the stem is enlarged to form a flow restrictor 32.

The forward or outer end of the liner 12 is reduced in outside diameterand provided with retainer slots 33 on opposite sides. The outerextremity of the liner is beveled and the stem 26 protrudes therefromand is rounded to form cam follower tip 34.

The outer end of the valve body member 1 is fitted with a retainer cup35 which, externally, is essentially cylindrical, but which, internally,is shaped to form an outwardly facing hemispherical socket 36. At oneside the retainer cup 35 is provided with a key pin siot or track 37.The retainer cup is also intersectcd by two diametrically disposedrecesses 33 at right angles to the key piu slot 37 which receive thcreduced outer ends of the pair of liners 12 and are bordered by ribs 39which fit the slots 33. The beveled outer ends of the liners conforrnapproximately to the contour of the socket 36.

The two valve assemblies 11 are adapted to be slipped sidewise in therecesses 3S before insertion in the bores 2 and 3 so as to be retainedby the retainer cup 35. Altei-natively, the liners may be integral withthe retainer cup, particularly if molded of high strength heat resistantplastic material. The retainer cup is provided with a centralscrewthreaded hole 40 for reception of a screw, not shown, to facilitateextraction of the valve assemblies from their bores,

Journaled within the retainer cup 34% is a control ball or spherical camstructure 41. The control ball includes an outer hemispherical part 42,an inner hemispherical part 43 of larger radius and defines therebetweenan undulating cam shoulder 44% having three facets. The outerhemispherical part 42 protrudes through the open end of the retainer cuphousing and universally journals within the socket 35.

The control ball is provided with a handle socket 45 extending deeplytherein from the central portion of the outer hemispherical part 42. Akey pin socket i6 extends radially into the control ball from the innerhemispherical part 43 and intersects the socket 54. Fitted in the hanlesocket 45 is a handle t7 having an annular groove 48 in the zone ofintersection of the socket d6. The key pin socket de journals a key pin49, the inner end of which tits within the groove 4S to lock the handlein the socket 45 but permit its rotation relative to the control ball.

The outer end of the key pin 49 forms a diametrically extending key rib50 projecting a slight distance from the surface of the control ballwhich fits the key slot 37 in the retainer cup 34. The key slo-t 37 andkey rib Sti pie vent rotation of the controi ball i1 about the axis ofthe handle 47, but permits movement, within limits, of the control ballabout its two other axes of rotation.

The retainer cup 35 retains the key pin i9 in place so that it, in turn,holds the handle in its socket but permits its rotation, thus providinga construction which is substantially tamper proof. That is, withoutremoval of the cam housing, the handle cannot be removed. Ideally, thekey pin 49 should be disposed at right angles to the axis of the handle47, but in order to provide for maximum range of movement of the camball and permit the use of -a cam housing having a centered opening, theaxis of the key pin m-ay form an angle of 110 to 120 with the handlewithout adversely affecting the desired movement of the cam ball.

A cylindrical retainer sleeve 51 is screwthreaded to the rim 6 of thevalve body 1 and receives the retainer 'cup 35 and is provided with aninternal ange 52 within which is a stop ring 53 formed of plasticmaterial. The stop ring forms an opening 54 through which extends theouter hemispherical part 42 of the control ball. Bordering the openingis a spherical portion 55 having a center coinciding with the center ofthe control ball 41 and retainer cup 35 so as to journal the controlball about a point.

Radially outwardly of the spherical portion 55 is a stop shoulder 56which engages the outer end of the retainer cup 35 and within the cup isengaged by the cam shoulder 44 to limit movement of the control ball 41.

The cam shoulder 44 is so shaped as to limit movement of the handle 47to essentially a triangular area which is preferably centered withrespect to the circular opening 54 within the stop ring 53. This area isdefined as shown in FIGURE 7 by three apices, 57, 58 and 59; the loweror front apex 57 corresponding to the olf position of both valveassemblies, the apex 58 to the left representing the position of thehandle when the hot valve assembly is full on, and the apex 59representing the handle position when the cold valve assembly is full(5011") In order to confine the handle to this area, the cam shoulder 43has three sides or facets 60, 61 and 62 which approximate planes throughthe cam ball each inclined with respect to the others. Between thesesides are rounded apices or peaks 63, 64 and 65. When the side 60engages the stop shoulder 56, the handle 47 is in its olf positioncorresponding to apex 57 of the triangle shown in FIGURE 7. Similarly,the sides 61 and 62 correspond to the apices 58 and 59. As the handlemoves from one apex to another, the control ball rocks from one side toanother. The stop shoulder 56 and cam shoulder 44 engage with anessentially rolling nonsliding contact so as to minimize wear and insurea free movement easily controlled by manipulation of the handle 47.

p This movement of the handle causes portions of the surface of theinner hemispherical part 43 to traverse the cam follower tips 34. Thepoints of contact of the cam follower tips describe essentiallytriangular cam areas 67 and 68 corresponding to the triangle delined bythe apices 57, 58 and 59. The cam areas are contoured to approximateportions of spheres of equal radius but which are tilted or essentricwith respect to the center of the inner hemispherical part 43. Moreparticularly, each cam area includes a leg or side 69 which isconcentric with the center of the cam ball and below the normal surfaceof the inner hemispherical part at a depth slightly in excess of theintended range of travel of the moving valve seat of the correspondingvalve assembly. The opposite apex 70 of each cam area may coincide withthe normal surface of the inner hemispherical part 43. From each apex 70the adjacent sides 71 and 72 curve eccentrically to the normal surfaceof the inner hemispherical part until they terminate in apices 73 and 74respectively at the extremities of the side 69 of the corresponding camarea.

The cam areas 67 and 68 are so related that their apices 73 may coincideand the sides 69 diverge therefrom, with the apices 70 distally related.When the two apices 74 register with the two cam follower tips 34 of thevalve assemblies, both valve assemblies are in their off position, thusthese apices correspond to the apex 57 shown in FIGURE 7. This positionof the control ball is shown particularly in FIGURES 9, 10, l5, 16 and17.

When the handle 47 is moved from apex 57 to apex 58; that is, upwardlyand to the right as in FIGURE 7, the side 69 of the cam area 68 whichcontrols the hot valve assembly moves across the corresponding camfollower and this side, being concentric with the control ball, the hotvalve assembly is unaifected, However, the side 72 of the other cam area67 traverses the cam follower of the cold valve assembly moving thatvalve assembly to its full on position. This is the position of thecontrol ball shown in FIGURES 11 and 12.

Similarly, movement of the handle from the apex 57 to the apex 59, thatis, upwardly and to the left as shown in FIGURE 7, the cold valveassembly remains off and the hot valve assembly is moved to full on.This is the position shown in FIGURES 13 and 14. When the handle ismoved between apices 58 and 59, one valve assembly moves toward its onposition and the other toward its olf position.

Movement of the handle inwardly of the boundaries dened by the apices57, 58 and 59, produces partial movements of the valve assemblies; forexample, the handle when positioned as shown in FIGURE 7, opens eachvalve approximately halfway. This forward and backward movement of thehandle regulates volume; whereas, lateral movement regulatestemperature. By selection of the contour of the cam areas 67 and 68, andby selection of the contour of the flow restrictors 32, an accuratelypredictable volume of ow from each valve assembly/.for any position ofthe valve handle may be attained.

The retainer sleeve 51 may be covered by a thin shell 75 for ornamentalpurposes and a suitable escutcheon ring 76 may be provided to compensatefor location of the valve body 1 when wall mounted. While the valve isillustrated as wall mounted and suitable for a shower value, it shouldbe understood that the mixing valve may be arranged for other uses suchas a kitchen or lavatory sink valve.

Reference is now directed to FIGURES 19 to 22 inclusive. The mixingvalve here illustrated embodies all of the features of the previouslydescribed valve with the addition of means for effecting automatic shutoff. For this purpose an additional bore 77 is provided in the valvebody member 1. This bore is isolated from the water passage therein. Thefront end of the bore confronts the retainer cup 35 and a slit 78communicates between the key pin slot or groove 37.

The key pin 49 is modified by the addition of a slot which journals oneend of a link 79 by means of a journal rivet 80. The link 79 extendsinto the bore 77 and is pivotally connected by a journal rivet 81 to aplunger 82.

Suitably mounted at the rear end of the valve body member 1, is ahousing 83 which contains a solenoid armature 84 connected to theplunger 82. The armature is reciprocable within solenoid 85.

Also within the housing 83 is a switch 86 which is held open when themixing valve is in its closed position and the armature is in itsextreme rearward position. Upon opening of the mixing valve, the switchinitiates operation of an electrical time delay unit 87 having aninitially open switch 88. That is, when the handle 47 is raised to openthe mixing valve, the plunger 32 and armature 84 is moved forwardly toclose the switch 87.

' The time delay 87, after a predetermined interval, closes the switch88 to energize the solenoid 86 which returns the armature to its initialposition and, in doing so, pulls on the plunger 82, line 79 and key pin49 to draw the cam ball 41 to its olf position shown in FIGURES 20 and19. During the period predetermined by the time delay, the mixing valvemay be manually adjusted to any position to provide any desired volumeor temperature of water. Should it be desirable to shut off the mixingvalve before operation of the time delay, this may be done withoutinterference by the time delay means.

Reference is now directed to FIGURES 23 through 27. The mixing valvehere illustrated differs from the first described mixing valve in thatthe modied mixing valve includes .a control ball 41a which serves bothas a cam ball and as a valve ball. The control ball 41a is provided witha hemispherical outer part 42a, an inner hemispherical part 42a and acam shoulder 44a, but in place of the cam areas 67 and 68, thehemispherical part 42a is provided with a valve area 89 whichspherically contoured and may have ythe same radius as the outerhemispherical part 42a.

Intersecting the valve area 89 is a hot water port 90 and a cold waterport 91 forming radially inwardly converging passages which intersecteach other and also intersect a water outlet port 92. The outlet portalso intersects the surface of the valve area S9.

A valve body 93 is provided which includes a hot water inlet passage 94and cold water inlet passage 95. These intersect converging recesses 96and 97, which in turn intersect a common hemispherical retainer socket36a. The retainer socket corresponds to the socket 36 provided in theretainer cup 35, and journals the cam and valve ball 41a.

The recesses 96 and 97 receive valve seat members 9S formed of asuitable elastomer and having forward faces which are sphericallycontoured for sealing engagement with the control ball 41a. Springs 99urge the seats into sealing contact.

A retainer ring 100 is adapted for screwthread engagement with theforward end of the valve body 93 and is provided with an internal ilangeforming an opening 54a, sperical `portion 55a and stop shoulder 56a,corresponding to the opening 54, spherical portion 55, and stop shoulder56 of the first described structure. In addition the spherical portion55a is provided with a groove which receives an. G-ring 101 for sealingengagement with the outer part 42a of the control ball and a gasketltlla is interposed lbetween the retainer ring and valve body. Thisouter part is provided with a handle 47a, which is screwthreaded orotherwise secured directly to the control ball.

As in the first structure, the control ball 41a is provided with a keypin 49a which rides in a key pin slot or groove 37a formed in the socket36a disposed in a plane at rig-ht angles to a plane common to therecesses 96 and 97. In this case, `the key pin slot is formed in a plug102 set in a recess formed at one side of the recesses 96 and 97.

The control ball 41a moves within ythe boundaries determined by the camshoulder 44a in the lmanner of the control ball 41. Such movement causesthe hot and cold water ports to move to and from coincidence with thevalve seats 98 for volume selection or for individual selection of hotor cold water.

As in regard =to the first described mixing valve, the modified mixingvalve may be provided with a time delay means which may be essentiallyidentical, except that the plunger 82 is provided with a sealing O-ring103.

While the stop shoulder is shown as formed within the journal means forthe control ball, and the cani shoulder is shown on the control ball, itshould be noted that the stop shoulder lmay be provided on the controlball and the cam shoulder within the journal means.

It should be noted, in regard to the valve assembly shown in FIGURE 6that the cap member 18 is capable of limited lateral displacement sothat the piston valve 23 readily alines the `bore of the cap member withthe counterbore 16.

Reference is now directed to FIGURES 28 through 38. In the constructionhere illustrated, the control ball is in lthe form of a hollowhemisphere, and is illustrated as incorporated in a lavatory type valvebody 104. The valve body is provided with an internally screwthreadedlrecess 105 having a depression at the bottom thereof forming a mixing`chamber 106. The mixting chamber is intersected by a pair of inletopenings 107 and by an outlet opening S. The inlet openings areconnected by tubes 109 to inlet fittings, not shown, and the outletopening is connected to a discharge spout 110.

Fitted within the recess 105 is a hemispherical journal member 111having a iiange 112 at its bottom end covering and closing the mixingchamber 106. A seal ring 113 carried by the flange 112 forms a sealingconnection with the walls of the recess 105. The journal member 111 isprovided with parallel bores 114 which are coaxial with the inletopenings 107.

The inlet openings 107 and their aligned bores 114 receive valve units115. Each valve unit includes a sleeve 116 formed of rubber or otherelastomer. The lower end of ythe sleeve forms an annular lip 117sealingly engaging the walls of the corresponding opening 107. Above thesealing lip 117 the sleeve is internally constricted to form an upwardlydirected annnular valve seat 118 which is capable of limited axialdisplacement. At one side the sealing lip and valve seat 118 is providedwith an internal axially extending rib 119 `the function of which will`be brought out hereinafter.

Above the valve seat 11S, the sleeve 116 is provided with lateral ports120 communicating with the valve chamber 106. Externally below and abovethe ports are external flanges 121 and 122 which iit within counterboresformed in the walls of the openings 107 and bores 114 respectively.Between the lianges, the sleeve is constrained by a rigid collar 123with ports coinciding with the ports 120.

Above the flange 122, the sleeve 116 is provided with a exiblere-entrant portion 124 terminating in an internal iiange 125. Slidablewithin each valve bore 114 is a valve stem y126 having a hemisphericalcam follower end 127. Reciprocally mounted within the sleeve 116 is avalve armature 128 having a pointed end adapted to enter and sealinglyengage the valve seat `118. A pin 123 extends from the valve armatureand is adapted to be press fitted in the valve stem 126. The confrontingends of the valve stem and valve armature clamp the internal flange ofthe sleeve 116 therebetween.

The journal member 111 receives a hollow hemispherical control ball 129which is preferably molded of high strength plastic material and havingan approximately centered handle boss 130 to which is attached a handle131. The external surface of the control ball may be covered with a thinmetal shell `132. The annular surface forming the bottom extremity ofthe control ball 129 forms three essentially iiat faces 60a, 61a, and62a, corresponding respectively with the three facets 60, 61, and 62 ofthe control ball 41 shown best in FIGURES 7 through 18. The three facesare separated by apices or peaks 63a, 64a and 65a corresponding to thepeaks 63, 64 and 65 of the control ball 41.

The hemispherical internal surface of the 'hernispherical control .ball`129 is provided with two essentially triangular cam areas defined bysides 69a, 71a, and 72a corresponding to sides 69, 71, and 72 of thecontrol ball 41; and apices 70a, 73a, and 74a, corresponding to apices 7i), 73, and 74 of the control ball 41.

It should be noted however, that the valve units 115 of the modifiedvalve shown in FIGURES 28 through 38 are arranged to close against waterpressure; thus, the concentric sides 69a coincide with the normalsurface of the control ball 129 and form the relatively Iremote sides ofthe triangular cam tareas. Stated otherwise, location of sides 69a and71a and apices 70a and 73a are reversed with respect to thecorresponding sides and apices of the control ball 41. ln this regard,it should be observed that each of the control balls 41 and l129 may beadapted for valve units which are closed or which are opened by waterpressure.

In a manner analogous to the first described structure, means areprovided to prevent rotation of the control ball 129 about the axis ofits handle 131. This is accomplished by a key ball 133 set in a socket134 provided in the control ball 129 which rides in yan arcuate grooveprovided in the journal member 111. The groove 135 is located in a planeat right angles to the common plane through the axes of the bores 114.

The key ball socket 134 may be located in a plane passing through thepeak 63a, handle axis and center of the facet 60a, and circumferentiallydisplaced from the handle axis as Ifar as possible. The key ball socketis illustrated as set in a boss 136 extending from the center of thefacet 60a. The boss 136 moves into a clearance recess in the ange 1-12as shown in FIGURE 30. The key ball could as well be located adjacentthe peak 63a or in a boss forming an extension thereof, withoutsignificant change in the location or shape of the cam areas.

The control ball 129 is held in place by a retainer ring 136 theinternal surface of which is spherical. The retainer ring is externallyscrewthreaded for reception in the recess 105 and its axially inner endengages the mar- -gin of the ange 112 to seat the ange at the bottom ofthe lrecess. The exposed portion of the retainer ring terminates in acircular opening which exposes the control ball 129 and is dimensionedto permit maximum excursion of the handle boss 130. Externally of itsopening the retainer ring is provided with a hexagonal portion toreceive a wrench. f

The hexagonal portion is covered by an escutcheon ring 138 which isremovably attached to the retainer ring 137 by means of an interruptedinternal flange 139 fitting a mating groove in the hexagonal portion ofthe retainer rmg.

'f peration of the modified mixing valve shown in FIG- URES 2.8 through38 is as follows:

When the hollow hemispherical control ball 129 is moved to causeprogressive contact between the upper face `of the ange 112 and thethree lobe cam represented by facets 60a, 61a, and 62a and peaks 63a,64a, and 65a, the handle 131 describes the triangular path indicated bybroken lines in FIGURE 29 and the cam follower tips 127 follow theboundaries of the cam areas shown in FIGURE 32. The valve units arecaused to move in unison -or in opposition between open and closedpositions in a manner closely analogous to the operation of the controlball 41.

While the orientation of the cam surfaces of the hollow hemisphericalcontrol ball 129 may be such as to operate the valve units 11 of thefirst described mixing valves, they are shown as arranged to operate thevalve units 115 which close, rather than open, against water pressure.

The valve seats 11'8 of the valve units 115 are axially yieldable alimited distance to insure sealing engagement with the valve armatures128 and to compensate for wear. Also, as a valve armature 128 approachesseating engagement, the pressure dilerential across its valve seat 118urges the valve seat axially toward engagement with the valve armature.

It will be noted that the valve units .are free of springs; that is, theonly Aforce available to open the valve units is the force of the waterupstream of the valve armature against the exposed area thereof. Underconditions of low water pressure and infrequent use of the valve unit,there is .a tendency of the valve seat to stick to the valve armatureand resist opening. This condition is minimized by the rib 119 whichprovides, at one portion of the periphery of the valve seat, increasedresistance to axial movement. As a consequence, the valve seat stripsprogressively from the valve armature as suggested in FIG- URE 36,materially reducing the force required to effect separation.

It will be observed that the re-entrant portion 124 of the sleeve 116forms a rolling seal between the valve stem and the surrounding bore andoffers a minimum of frictional resistance so as to insure free movementof the valve armature and its stem.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed, the invention is not limited thereto, but includes theconstructions, combinations and arrangements embraced in the appendedclaims.

I claim:

1. A mixing valve, comprising:

(a) a control member of spherical contour;

(b) a valve body structure including a journal means for said controlmember, said journal means and control member cooperating to limit saidcontrol member to movement about a point center;

(c) means interconnecting `said control member and journal means tolimit movement of said control member to two axes of movement about saidcenter;

(d) a handle for moving said control member;

(e) circular confronting stop shoulders formed by said control memberand said journal means, one of said stop shoulders being contoured toform a ca m having a plurality of facets and peaks therebetween,whereby, on rolling contact with said stop shoulders, sai handle andregions at the side of said control member opposite from said handle,describe essentially polygonal figures;

(f) and valve units insaid body structure confronting said regions andresponsive to movement of said control member for opening and closing owpassages therein.

2. A mixing valve as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

(a) the polygonal figures described by said regions are cam areas;

(b) and sai-d valve units -include cam followers engageable with saidcam areas to open and close said valve units.

3. A mixing valve as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

(a) said control member is globular in form and its circular stopshoulder and cam areas are on the outer surface thereof and face inopposite directions.

4. A mixing valve as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

(a) said control member is a hollow hemisphere and said cam areas aredisposed on the interior surface thereof, and its stop shoulder forms anextremity thereof;

(b) and the stop shoulder and cam areas of said control member face inthe same direction.

5. A mixing valve as set forth in claim 1, wherein:

(a) said control member is provided with inlet passages intersecting thesurface of said control member at said regions, and also an outletpassage clear of the areas delineated by said polygonal figures;

(b) and said valve units include seat elements sealingly engageable withthe surface of said control member.

6. A mixing valve, comprising:

(a) a valve body structure having hot and cold water inlets and anoutlet;

(b) an essentially spherical journal means at one end of said valve bodystructure;

(c) a control member of spherical contour journaled by said means formovement about a point center;

(d) an exposed handle for said control member;

(e) means for limiting said control member to two axes of movement aboutsaid center;

(f) circular confronting stop shoulders formed by said journal means andsaid control member, one of said shoulders being contoured to form a camhaving three facets and peaks therebetween whereby, on rolling contactbetween said stop shoulders, said handle and regions at the side of saidcontrol member opposite from said handle describe essentially triangularfigures;

(g) and valve units in said hot and cold water inlets and confrontingsaid regions, said valve units being responsive to movement of saidcontrol member for opening and closing said inlets.

7. A mixing valve as set forth in claim 6, wherein:

(a) the triangular gures described by said regions are cam areas;

(b) and said valve unitsinclude cam followers engageable with said camareas to open and close said valve units.

8. A mixing valve as set forth in claim 6, wherein:

(a) the stop shoulder of said journal means surrounds an accommodationopening in said journal means;

(b) said control member is globular, and the circular shoulder and camareas thereof are faced in opposite directions.

9. A mixing valve as set forth in claim 6, wherein:

(a) said control member is in the form of a hollow hemisphere;

(b) said cam areas are disposed on the interior surface of said controlmember, the circular stop shoulder of said control member forms anextremity thereof, and said carn areas and stop shoulder face inessentially the same direction.

10. A Amixing valve as set forth in claim 6, wherein:

(a) said control member is provided with inlet passages intersecting thesurface of said control member at said regions;

(b) and said valve units include seat elements sealingly engageable withthe surface of said control member.

i1. A mixing valve, comprising:

(a) a valve structure having a hot nad a cold water inlet, a mixed wateroutlet, and parallel guide bores in alignment with said inlets;

(b) valve elements for said inlets including cam follower membersslidable in said bores;

(c) a manually operable control means for said valve elements includingessentially triangular areas delining cam surfaces engageable with saidcam followers;

(d) means incorporating said control means and said valve structure forlimiting said control means to two degrees of movement;

(e) and confronting essentially coextensive and annular stop shouldersincorporating said control means and said valve structure, surroundingsaid cam areas and disposed for mutual rolling engagement;

(f) one of said shoulders forming a three looe cam for limiting Asaidcontrol means to an essentially triangular movement corresponding to theboundaries of said cam areas.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,792,847 5/1957 Spencer137-636-2 FOREIGN PATENTS 575,346 5/1959 Canada.

25 ALAN COHAN, Primary Examiner.

1. A MIXING VALVE, COMPRISING: (A) A CONTROL MEMBER OF SPHERICALCONTOUR; (B) A VALVE BODY STRUCTURE INCLUDING A JOUNRAL MEANS FOR SAIDCONTROL MEMBER, SAID JOURNAL MEANS AND CONTROL MEMBER COOPERATING TOLIMIT SAID CONTROL MEMBER TO MOVEMENT ABOUT A POINT CENTER; (C) MEANSINTERCONNECTING SAID CONTROL MEMBER AND JOURNAL MEANS TO LIMIT MOVEMENTOF SAID CONTROL MEMBER TO TWO AXES OF MOVEMENT ABOUT SAID CENTER; (D) AHANDLE FOR MOVING SAID CONTROL MEMBER; (E) CIRCULAR CONFRONTING STOPSHOULDERS FORMED BY SAID CONTROL MEMBER AND SAID JOURNAL MEANS, ONE OFSAID STOP SHOULDERS BEING COUNTOURED TO FORM A CAM HAVING A PLURALITY OFFACETS AND PEAKS THEREBETWEEN, WHEREBY, ON ROLLING CONTACT WITH SAIDSTOP SHOULDERS, SAID HANDLE AND REGIONS AT THE SIDE OF SAID CONTROLMEMBER OPPOSITE FROM SAID HANDLE, DESCRIBE ESSENTIALLY POLYGONALFIGURES; (F) AND VALVE UNITS IN SAID BODY STRUCTURE CONFRONTING SAIDREGIONS AND RESPONSIVE TO MOVEMENT OF SAID CONTROL MEMBER FOR OPENINGAND CLOSING FLOW PASSAGES THEREIN.